Newby Bridge Hotel

Newby Bridge Hotel is a relaxed, sociable country hotel at the foot of Windermere, set in riverside gardens with plenty of green space for a dog to stretch its legs. It has a loyal following among dog owners who want an easy, unfussy base for the southern Lakes.

Dogs are charged at £15 per dog, per night, and booking listings suggest a limit of two dogs per room, so confirm that if you are bringing a pair. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere, including the bedrooms, garden cabins and the Huntsmans Bar. The exceptions are the Garden View Restaurant and the leisure club, so plan dinner around the bar if you want your dog beside you.

Guests travelling with dogs consistently praise the staff, who are described as cheerful and keen to help, and small touches such as dog biscuits get a mention. Families with both children and dogs find it works well, with ground-floor space to gather, an indoor pool and litter bins and lawns handy for walks. The location is the other big draw, with the lake, the steamer pier and walking country all close by, and many feel it offers good value for money.

It is an older hotel and it shows. Public areas around the bar look a little shabby, and a long walk with stairs to some rooms is hard work with luggage and a dog. Rooms at the back overlook the kitchens and bins and can be very hot in summer with no air conditioning, and kitchen noise and smells have set at least one dog off barking. Some guests also find the dog charge on the steep side. A handful of guests without dogs have complained about other guests' dogs making noise at night and about pet mess left by previous occupants, so it is worth asking for a quieter room and checking yours on arrival.

Newby Bridge Hotel suits dog owners who value location, friendly service and being able to bring their dog into the bar, and who are happy with comfortable rather than polished surroundings.